 CHAIN PICKEREL
Scientific Name: Esox niger
Other Common Names: chainsides, jackpike
Identification
A close
relative of the muskellunge and other members of the pike family,
the chain pickerel is named for the chain-like
pattern on its sides. It is sometimes mistaken for a small muskellunge,
but the muskellunge does not have the black bar beneath its eye
that is present in the chain pickerel. The redfin or “grass” pickerel
is also similar in appearance, but the pattern on its sides resembles
dark vertical bars rather than a chain-like pattern, and the redfin
pickerel rarely exceeds 10 inches.
Habitats
and Habits
Chain pickerel
are native to the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of North Carolina,
as well as other Atlantic and Gulf
Coast drainages from New England to western Louisiana. They prefer
relatively calm areas in lakes and rivers with lots of aquatic
vegetation. Similar to muskellunge, chain pickerel are solitary
fish that often
hide in aquatic vegetation where they wait to ambush unsuspecting
prey. The young feed mainly on aquatic insects and crustaceans until they
reach about 4 inches. At that point, they switch to a diet primarily
of fish but will eat small mammals, snakes, frogs, etc.
Fishing Techniques
Use spinners,
spoons, jigs and a variety of crankbaits. Minnows are a favored
live bait. Fishing is usually best
around aquatic vegetation, such as lily pads and brush piles.
Good Places
to Fish
Many of the
slow-flowing streams, lakes and swamps of the Piedmont and
Coastal Plain are good places to fish,
especially those areas with relatively clear water and abundant
aquatic vegetation. Although more common in the eastern Piedmont
and Coastal
Plain, chain pickerel are found in good populations as far west
as the upper Yadkin River below W. Kerr Scott Reservoir.
NCARP Minimum
Requirements: 4 pounds or 26 inches
State
Record: 8
pounds from Gaston Reservoir, Feb. 13, 1968
World
Record: 9 lbs., 6 oz., Homerville,
Ga., Feb. 17, 1961*
* Anglers
provide information on their potential world-record catches
directly to the International
Game Fish Association, which maintains the world records
for sport fishing.
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